Gay man granted refugee protection due to fear of persecution

Gay man granted refugee protection due to fear of persecution

By Sukhram Ramkissoon Last month, a 35-year-old citizen of the Bahamas appeared before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) in Toronto through a video conference, testifying that he fears harm at the hands of the homophobic Bahamians including his cousin due to his sexual orientation as a gay man. […]

Black churches that rescued African refugees get no financial help from governments

Black churches that rescued African refugees get no financial help from governments

  They demand, among other things, an inquiry “into the causes for, and consequences of, the lack of what we believe to be a clear dereliction on basic governmental duties and responsibilities’’ By Lincoln Depredine We hereby call upon the Canadian federal, provincial, and municipal governments to urgently address this humanitarian crisis.’’ dereliction on basic […]

Undeclared child of Canadian father allowed to join him in Canada

Undeclared child of  Canadian father allowed to join him in Canada

  By Sukhram Ramkissoon  Canadian immigration law stipulates that if an applicant for permanent residence fails to declare their dependents, which includes a spouse, or child/ren in their application or at the time they are granted permanent residence, they cannot sponsor these dependents in the future. Let us look at a recent case where I […]

Black organizations urge Feds to allocate $97M for long-term integration of refugees  

Black organizations urge Feds to allocate $97M for long-term integration of refugees   

A coalition of Black-led organizations and corporations are steadfast in their call for the Federal Government to prudently allocate the $97 million funding to ensure the effective and long-term integration of refugees. While acknowledging the commendable efforts of other black-led organizations in supporting newcomers to Canada, leaders of this coalition recognize the need for sustainable […]

Landed immigrant freed from deportation after 20-years

Landed immigrant freed from deportation after 20-years

  By Sukhram Ramkissoon It is a well-established fact that under Canada’s immigration law, permanent residents who commit crimes in Canada can be returned to their countries of nationality because of their criminality. Let us examine a very lengthy, stressful, agonising, painstaking and compassionate immigration appeal hearing process. Andrew (not his real name) is a […]

Consultant and community organizer appointed Grenada Consul General in Toronto

Consultant and community organizer appointed Grenada Consul General in Toronto

By Lincoln DePradine Grenada soon will have a new top diplomat in the city, and consul general-designate Gerry Hopkins says he’s looking forward to his assignment in Toronto. “For me, I see this as service,’’ Hopkins said in a weekend interview. He was here for two activities that featured Dickon Mitchell, who heads Grenada’s National […]

President Irfaan Ali calls on Guyanese to ‘come home and invest’

President Irfaan Ali calls on Guyanese to ‘come home and invest’

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali called on Guyanese in Canada to “come home and invest.” During a weekend visit to Toronto, President Ali said that not only did Guyana need its human resources more than ever, but investment opportunities were sure and did not need approval from him to flourish. “Rediscover your country; rediscover its future […]

Embracing Unity and Charting a Path Forward

Embracing Unity and Charting a Path Forward

Reflecting on Canada’s Journey on July 1st On July 1, we come together to embrace the rich tapestry that stretches across our vast nation, from coast to coast. This day is an opportunity to gather with loved ones and reflect on Canada’s remarkable journey over the past 156 years. It is a time to acknowledge […]

Refusal of family humanitarian application overturned

Refusal of family humanitarian application overturned

  By Sukhram Ramkissoon Recently a Bangladeshi family was successful in having the Federal Court of Canada overturn their negative humanitarian and compassionate decision rendered by a senior immigration officer and ordered that the matter be re-determined by another officer.The facts of the case concern — a mother, her daughter and son, all Bangladeshi citizens. I will […]

Vincentian woman granted another chance to remain in Canada

Vincentian woman granted another chance to remain in Canada

By Sukhram Ramkissoon Ms. K is a 30-year-old citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She grew up in an abusive household and suffered incidents of domestic abuse throughout her life. In 2008, she was the victim of rape, and her accuser was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.  He has since been […]